Effect of vitamin E on post irradiation death in mice

The 30-day survival after exposure to 800 Rad 60Co gamma radiation has been compared for female mice maintained on vitamin E deficient, vitamin E supplemented or regular lab rations before and/or after irradiation. Pre- or post-irradiation dietary supplementation had no effect on survival; however, injection of alpha-tocopherol immediately after irradiation significantly reduced radiation lethality.